The legendary songwriting duo of Richard Maltby and David Shire, along with Shire's wife, actress Didi Conn (Grease, The Green Bird ), attended the performance and wished the quartet well on their opening night. The cast - consisting of Dan Baillie, Eric Saggese, Sonelius Kendrick-Smith and Phil Zipkin - "brings a unique twist to the traditionally co-ed songbook, featuring songs from Maltby & Shire's hit shows Closer Than Ever, Starting Here, Starting Now and Baby" as well as material from their newest show, Take Flight. The performance is staged by Jeff Lettiere, with musical direction is by Charles Beale.
I Want It All – A Maltby and Shire Songbook plays two additional performances: Sept. 20 at 5 PM and Sept. 21 at 9:30 PM.
Tickets are priced $20 (plus a two-drink minimum), and proceeds will benefit the New York City Gay Men's Chorus.
The Metropolitan Room is located in Manhattan at 34 West 22nd Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues). For reservations call (212) 206-0440.
All photos by H.E. Yhoman